Charging port locking device

ABSTRACT

A charging port locking device is provided that basically includes a charging port, a lock mechanism and a cover member. The cover member has an opening into which an engaging member can be inserted. The cover member covers the lock mechanism that achieves both locked and unlocked states by rotational movement of the restricting member. An end surface of the restricting member facing the cover member is configured to be longer than a width of the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National stage application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2012/073800, filed Sep. 18, 2012, which claimspriority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-225414 filed in Japanon Oct. 13, 2011.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lock device of a charging port forcharging a battery mounted on the vehicle.

2. Background Information

As a technique related to a charging port lock device, the technique isdisclosed as described in Japanese Laid-Open Application Publication No.H9-161884. In this publication, a charging connector for connecting acharging station as a power supply unit to a charging port of anelectric vehicle to allow a charging operation by connecting thecharging connector to the charging port.

SUMMARY

Here, in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle equipped with a batteryof relatively large capacity, when charging at the charging station, acharging operation over a relatively long time may be considered. Atthis time, if the connection between the charging connector and chargingport is inadvertently, i.e., due to factors other than the driver'sintention disconnected or disengaged, charging will not be performed.This would lead to a situation in which, even if the driver returnsafter a planned charging period, charging is not yet completed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, andaims to provide a charging port lock device capable of avoiding asituation in which the connection between the charging connector and thecharging port is released unexpectedly during charging.

In order to achieve the above object, in the charging port lock deviceaccording to the present invention, a charging port to which electricpower from an external power source is supplied through a chargingconnector by the operation of an operator is provided with a cover thatcovers a lock mechanism for achieving both locked and unlocked states inresponse to rotational movement of a restricting or limiting member froma charging connector insertion and removal side. The cover member alsohas an opening for allowing insertion of an engaging member. The endsurface thereof facing the cover member is configured to be longer thanthe width of the opening.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging connector from beingreleased or disconnected unexpectedly during charging. Thus, a situationwould be prevented from arising in which, even if the driver returnsafter a planned charging period, charging is not yet completed. Further,such a situation may be excluded in which the restricting member may beforcibly broken or pried by inserting a finger and the like into a gapbetween the opening of the cover member and the end of the restrictingmember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state during charging of avehicle provided with a charging port locking device in a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which a chargingconnector and a charging port are being connected in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a structure of a lock mechanism in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing a structure of the lock mechanism in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an internal structural diagram showing a mechanicalconfiguration of the lock mechanism in the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a configuration of the swing arm of thelock mechanism in the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a state in which the chargingconnector and the charging port are connected to each other in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state in which the charging connectorand the charging port are connected to each other in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the swing arm in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the swing arm when theengaging member is forcibly operated in the detaching direction in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the swing arm in a secondembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing a configuration of the swing arm of thelock mechanism in a third embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view showing a configuration of the lock mechanism in afourth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a gear shaft cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism in afourth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top view showing a configuration of a rotary plate in thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view with a sectional shape being extendedlinearly along a section line drawn in the circumferential direction ofthe rotary plate in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the rotary plate.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state during charging of avehicle provided with a charging port locking device in a firstembodiment. In front of the vehicle 3, and forward of a hood 31, acharging port 4 is provided which is electrically connected to a vehiclebattery 6 mounted on a vehicle floor 3 by a cable or code 43. Thischarging port is positioned at a height substantially equal to that of atop end of a tire wheel arch 33 and lower than a side mirror 34, and isclosed by a charging lid 32 in a non-charging state. A charging stand 1is provided with a charging connector 2 for supplying power, and, duringa charging state, by opening the charging lid 32 and plugging thecharging connector 2 in the charging port 4, a charging operation isperformed. Note that the vehicle in the first embodiment is providedwith both a quick charging port for coupling with a quick or fastcharger and a normal charging port when charging at home, etc. In thefirst embodiment, the operations are discussed during the normalcharging process. When using the fast charging port, the connection isof a relatively short period of time, so that such scenes are lessfrequent in which the vehicle is left for a long time. Note that a lockmechanism according to the present invention may be also provided for aquick charge port side, as a matter of course.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which a chargingconnector in the first embodiment is connected to a charging port. Thecharging port 4 has a inserted or receiving member 41 fixed to a bodypart B1 through a bracket 74 for insertion of the charging connector 2,a cable 43 connected to the inserted member 41 in the interior ofvehicle body, and a tube 42 covering a junction portion of this cable43. A convex or protruding portion 41 a (engaged portion) is formedabout the outer periphery of the inserted member 41, while an insertionhole is formed in an inner periphery of the inserted member 41, whichallows the insertion only in a predetermined positional relationship toan insertion portion 22.

The charging connector 2 is of a generally widely installed type and hasa standard product size and format determined by the unified standard.The charging connector 2 is connected to the charging port 4 of thevehicle by the operator. The charging connector 2 has a grip portion 21to be griped by the operator, the insertion portion 22 to be insertedwith respect to the charging port 4 on the vehicle side, and an engagingmember 23 capable of engagement with and release of the charging port 4by the operator. The engaging member 23 engages with the convex portion41 a formed on the charging port 4, when the charging connector 2 isconnected to the charging port 4, to thereby restrict the movement in adirection in which the charging connector 2 is released or plugged outof the charging port 4.

The engaging member 23 is a member that rotates about a support point 23c (first pivot axis) which is fixed to a case member of the chargingconnector 2. The engaging member 23 is biased such that a release button23 a is positioned by an elastic member (not shown) at the upper side inFIG. 2 (so that a claw portion 23 d is positioned at the lower side inFIG. 2). An end on the grip 21 is provided with a release button 23 afor allowing an operator to press while holding the grip portion 21. Onthe other end of the insertion portion 22, a claw portion 23 d is formedfor engagement with the convex portion 41 a. The claw portion 23 d isformed in a claw shape with a curved surface portion 23 d 1 in which thetip portion has a smooth curved surface with respect to the insertiondirection and a step portion 23 d 2 that forms an acute angle withrespect to the release direction. On the other hand, the slope 41 a 1 isformed on the end face toward vehicle exterior while an engagementsurface 41 a 2 extending generally vertically with respect to therelease direction is formed on an end surface toward the vehicleinterior so that an anisotropic or asymmetrical convex shape may beformed.

When the charging connector 2 is inserted into the charging port 4,without having to act on the release button 23 a for special operations,the curved portion 23 d 1 of the tip portion of the claw portion 23 dmay get over the slope of the convex portion 41 a. Thereafter, upon thestep portion 23 d 2 passing through the engagement surface 41 a 2, theclaw portion 23 d is pushed downward by the action of the elastic member(not shown), and the convex portion 41 a and the claw portion 23 d areengaged with each other. Note that it is also possible to insert thecharging connector 2 while pressing the release button 23 a. Thus, evenif the operator would pull the charging connector 2 in the direction ofextracting or releasing the charging connector 2 in a state where theoperator does not operate the release button 23 a, the movement in thereleasing direction may be restricted by the engagement between the stepportion 23 d 2 and the engagement surface 41 a 2. In order to releasethis engagement, the engaging member 23 is caused to rotate about thesupport point 23 c in response to pressing down of the release button 23a to thereby move the claw portion 23 d above the engagement surface 41a 2 to release the engagement.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a structure of a lock mechanism in thefirst embodiment while FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing a structure ofthe lock mechanism in the first embodiment. Above the charging port 4, alock mechanism 7 is provided for restricting or limiting the rotation ofthe engaging member 23. The lock mechanism 7 includes a swing arm 71that achieves, by being located in a separating direction between theclaw portion 23 d and a convex portion 41 a, a separation limiting orrestricting state, and further achieves a separation permissible stateby not being located in the separating direction. The lock mechanismfurther includes a lock actuator 73 for driving the swing arm 71 and abracket 74 for fixing and supporting the lock actuator 73 and theinserted member 41 of the charging port 4.

As shown in the side view in FIG. 3 as well as in the bottom view ofFIG. 4, the bracket 74 includes an upper surface portion 74 d for fixingand supporting the lock actuator 73 by bolts 74 e, a support extension74 b extending from the upper surface portion to cover a movement rangeof the swing arm 71, a side surface portion 74 c bent substantiallyperpendicular to the upper surface portion 74 d for having the insertedmember 41 etc. through bolts affixed thereto, and a cover member 74 gfor sandwiching the lock actuator 73 with the upper surface portion 74d. The upper surface portion 74 d, the lock actuator 73, and the covermember 74 g are assembled integrally by way of a plurality of bots 74 eand nuts 74 f. An opening 74 a for compulsory or forcible operationduring a failure (see FIGS. 2, 7, etc.) is formed on the upper surfaceportion 74 d for manipulation or operation of a fixing screw 72(described below) so as to be rotatable by way of a screwdriver etc. bythe driver with the hood being opened. The reason will be describedbelow.

FIG. 5 is an internal structural diagram showing a mechanicalconfiguration of the lock mechanism in the first embodiment. The lockactuator 73 is provided with a connector portion 73 a for connectingboth an external power source and a controller, a motor 731 driven torotate in accordance with a command signal, a worm gear 732 rotatableintegrally with a rotor of the motor 731, a worm wheel meshed andintegrally rotatable with the worm gear 732, a drive gear 734 a whichrotates integrally with the worm wheel 734 and has the same rotatingshaft with a smaller diameter than the worm wheel 734, and a drivenmember 735 which meshes with the drive gear 734 a and has a toothsurface on the outer circumference thereof. The driven member 735 issubstantially fan-shaped is provided with a meshing portion 735 a formedwith a tooth surface on the outer periphery and a rotating shaft portion735 b to be assembled integrally with the swing arm 71. The swing arm 71is a member that operates with the rotation shaft portion 735 b as arotation shaft. In other words, the swing arm 71 has a rotation axis thedirection of which is different both from the insertion and releasedirection of the charging connector 2 and the direction of rotation axisof the engaging member 23. Since, in the lock mechanism in the firstembodiment, it is sufficient for the swing arm 71 to rotate within apredetermined angular range, even with the use of the driven member 73provided with tooth surface only partly, an operation is allowable witha small sized motor while ensuring a sufficient torque. Note that thislock actuator is being adapted to the automatic door lock mechanism of avehicle in general, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost whenadopted as such without substantial modification of the componentsthereof.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the structure or configuration of theswing arm of the lock mechanism in the first embodiment. The swing arm71 includes a mounting portion 710 attached to the rotating shaftportion 735 b of the lock actuator 73 so as not to rotate relativethereto, and a cylindrical wall 713 of cylindrical shape covering theouter periphery of the mounting portion 710. The mounting portion 710 isformed with recesses 712 allocated in three places circumferentially,and by receiving concave portion 712 formed on the side of the rotationshaft portion 735 b, a relative movement in the rotational directionwill be restricted. A through hole 711 is formed in the center of themounting portion 710 for passing through a fixing screw 72 to fasteningor fixing together the swing arm 71 and the rotation shaft member 735integrally. Since this through hole 711 causes an upper part of theswing arm 71 and the lock actuator 71 in a communicating state. Thus,even if the swing arm 71 will be difficult to be operated due tofreezing or the like, by pouring or applying hot water to improve thefrozen state, a communication passage will be formed to function forcommunicating the hot water so that the frozen state will be quicklyimproved. The fixing screw 72 is fixed by a female screw portionprovided on the side of the rotating shaft portion 735, and both therotating shaft portion 735 and the swing arm 71 will thus be operatedintegrally.

Note that a tightening direction of the fixing screw 72 is set to be thesame as a direction in which the swing arm 71 is rotated in theunlocking direction. That is, even if a failure or the like occurs inthe lock actuator 73 and a release operation is no longer possible atall, by tightening the fixing screw 72 allows the swing arm 71 to rotatein the releasing direction.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which acharging connector and a charging port are connected to each other. Morespecifically with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the fixing screw 72 isprovided in an opening 74 a for a compulsory operation during a failureso as to be exposed within a bonnet hood. Since a hood release lever inthe passenger compartment is typically operated in order to open thehood, the fixing screw is thus considered to be disposed at an easilyaccessible position once the release lever is opened. In contrast, thefixing screw 72 is not disposed at an easily accessible position even ifa charging lid 32 is opened. Therefore, the arrangement is made so asnot to be freely accessible by others who is inaccessible in thepassenger compartment. Further, since the fixing screw is configured tobe operative easily with a Phillips screwdriver or the like, availablein an onboard tool kit or the like, it is releasable by the operator.

An arm member 71 d of the plate shape extends from the cylindrical wall713 on the left side in FIG. 6. The arm member 71 d is expanded in a fanshape at the tip and is designed to overlap with a claw portion 23 d ina top view (i.e., corresponding to a state in which the arm member 71 dis located in the separation direction of the engaging member). The armmember 71 d is formed with a lightening portion 71 d 1 to reduce weightand with the ribs 714 to ensure the required strength.

The swing arm 71 is molded of resin and formed in a shape verticallyasymmetric in top view, as shown in FIG. 6. Hereinafter, an assumptionis made in which the center of rotation of the swing arm 71 (point wherethe center of the swing arm 71 in the thickness direction and therotation axis match) and the center of rotation of the engaging member23 in a locked state (point where the center of the engaging member 23in the width direction and the rotation axis match) are connected todefine an axis O1 as a reference line in a top view. Then, symmetricimaginary lines that are symmetric vertically are drawn by dotted lines.The relationship to these symmetric imaginary lines is now described. Anupper part is considered to be a region in which the swing arm 71escapes when the lock mechanism moving from the restricting state to thenon-restriction state. Thus, an upper region above the axis O1 isdefined as an escape region and a lower region below is defined as atransition region.

If the escape region and the transition region of the swing arm 71 aresymmetrical to each other, a large area is present which is located inthe escape region side farther of the claw portion 23 d. In this case,following problems were present. That is, since the charging port 4 isdisposed at a relatively lower position of the vehicle, such a situationis expected in which sherbet-like snow or muddy water fly up caused byother vehicles travelling nearby and scattered on the charging port 4.Also, when charging in the cryogenic environment, the mud or snowsherbet that has been scattered may freeze to form an obstacle shaped inicicles hanging from the arm member 71 d of the swing arm 71 as a roof.In this case, with a large region of the arm member 71 d in the escaperegion, it is likely that obstacles of icicle shape will be formed, sothat, even if a lock release command is output, the obstacle on theswing arm 71 might engage with the claw portion 23 d, locking statedwill not be released.

Therefore, it has been decided that the arm member 71 d is cut outlargely extending from the symmetrical imaginary line close to the clawportion 23 d. In other words, the area 71 d 3 present in the escaperegion of the arm member 71 d (a top view area on a side in a rotationaldirection to the restricting state with respect to a line connecting therotation center of the swing arm 71 and the rotation center of the clawportion 23 d when the claw portion 23 d is positioned in a separatingdirection) is set smaller than the area 71 d 2 of the arm member 71 d inthe transition region (a top view area on a side in a rotationaldirection to the non-restriction state with respect to a line connectingthe rotation center of the swing arm 71 and the rotation center of theclaw portion 23 d when the claw portion 23 d is positioned in aseparating direction). Therefore, the roof portion in the escape regionsmay be reduced so that the icicle like obstacles are hardly formed,which would enable to move the swing arm 71 smoothly during unlockingoperation. In particular, since by cutting out the area barelyoverlapping the claw portion 23 d in top view, it is possible to reducethe possibility that the obstacles and the like will be formed whilereliably restricting movement of the claw portion 23 d in a separatingdirection reliably.

Then, with respect to a top view shape of the outermost diameter portion71 f of the swing arm 71, a symmetrical shape is secured with referenceto axis O1 as a reference line. That is, when the swing arm 71 isrotated by the operation of the lock actuator 73 and assuming aninsufficient rotation due to failure or the like, the more the length ofthe outermost diameter portion 71 f is secured, more reliably the swingarm 71 may be positioned in the separating direction of the claw portion23 d.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view in a state in which the charging connectoris connected to the charging port in the first embodiment. By insertingthe charging connector 2 into the charging port 4, and positioning theswing arm 71 in the separating direction of the claw portion 23 d due tooperation of the lock mechanism 7, the claw portion 23 d cannot move inthe separating direction even if the release button 23 a is pressed.Thus, it is impossible to release the engagement between the convexportion 41 a and the claw portion 23 d so that the charging connector 2is prohibited from being plugged out or withdrawn. At this time, thecharging port 4 of the vehicle is protected from the entry of dust orthe like into the lock mechanism 7 by providing a cover member 9. Thecover member 9 covers the lock mechanism 7 from the direction ofinsertion and removal i.e., plug-in and -out of the charging connector 2and has an opening 91 for enabling the claw portion to be inserted andexposing a part of the swing arm 71.

It is assumed that the operator inserts the charging connector 2 intothe charging port 4 and operates the lock mechanism 7 to thereby startcharging operation with the operator being left and unattended. In thisstate, as shown in FIG. 8, the outermost diameter portion 71 f of theswing arm 71 is in a state of being exposed. Suppose that a large gapbetween the outermost diameter portion 71 f and the cover member 9, thenit is possible to forcibly break and open the swing arm 71 by placing afinger or the like into the gap. Therefore, the gap between the swingarm 71 and the cover member 9 is set narrow to the extent that both arenot in not in contact.

Further, in a state in which the charging connector 2 is beingrestricted to be removed by the lock mechanism 7, the openings 91 isentirely closed by the outermost diameter portion 71 f of the swing arm71. In other words, the length of the outermost diameter portion 71 f inthe rotational direction is set longer than the width of opening 91 (thelength along the rotational direction). This arrangement is intended, asdescribed above, to exclude the possibility that the swing arm 71 may beforcibly broken by placing a finger or the like into a gap which wouldbe otherwise present between ends of the opening 91 and the end of theswing arm 71.

Further, coming back again to FIG. 6, the relationship between the covermember 9 and the swing arm 71 is now detailed. As shown in FIG. 6, thedistance between the inner periphery of the cover 9 and the outermostdiameter portion 71 f of the swing arm 71 when rotated is set larger asthe distance from the opening 91 is larger. Stated another way, if thecharging connecter 2 is connected to the charging port 4 in a state inwhich dust and the like (chewing gum, mud, dust, etc.) is attached onthe claw portion 23 d, in response to a rotational movement of the swingarm 71, a sweeping operation is assured while scraping off theserubbishes. In this instance, assuming that the distance between theinner periphery surface of the cover member 9 and the locus of outermostdiameter portion 71 f would be set narrower gradually, the rubbishscraped out will enter this gap so that a large resistance will beencountered and the operation of the swing arm 71 will be impaired.Thus, by setting the distance between the inner periphery of the covermember 9 and the outermost diameter portion 71 f is set greater inaccordance with the distance from the opening 91, the scraped outrubbish will be appropriately falls down and an eventual dust cloggingmay be avoided.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing the positional relationshipbetween the engaging member and the swing arm in the first embodiment. Apredetermined gap al is provided between the upper surface of the swingarm 71 and the support extension 74 b while a predetermined gap b1 isprovided as well between the lower surface of the swing arm 71 and theclaw portion 23 d. Therefore, when the swing arm 71 is rotated, therewill be no contact with the support extension 74 b and the claw portion23 d, it is possible to actuate the swing arm 71 smoothly. Note that,when viewed from the direction of connecting or disconnecting thecharging connector 2, if the height of the area overlapping the stepportion 23 d 2 with the engagement surface 41 a 2 is defined as c1, therelationship expressing c1>(a1+b1) is established. Thus, as shown inFIG. 10, even if both the gaps a1 and b1 would disappear due to aforcible push-up of the claw portion 23 d, the engagement between thestep portion 23 d 2 and the engagement surface 41 a 2 will bemaintained.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view showing the positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the swing arm when theengaging member is forcibly moved in the separating direction. Assumingthat, in a state in which movement of the engaging member 23 in theseparating direction is being restricted and the release button 23 ispressed down, the upper surface of the claw portion 23 d will contactthe lower surface of the swing arm 71 to push up the swing arm 71. Atthis time, since the swing arm itself is made of resin and the rotationshaft 735 b is not designed to be sufficiently rigid, the swing arm 71will be pushed up vertically with ease due to deformation of the swingarm 71 or inclination of the rotation shaft. However, due to provisionof the support extension 74 b, the contact with this support extension74 b will suppress further deformation. In addition, since a force isapplied only in the thickness direction of the swing arm 71, despite theswing arm being of resin, a sufficient strength is secured against acompression force. More specifically, the rotation shaft of the swingarm 71 extends in a direction different from the insertion and removaldirection of the charging connector 2, and has a rotation axis extendingdifferent from the direction of rotation axis of the engaging member 23.Stated even more specifically, the direction of rotation shaft of theswing arm 71 and the direction of the rotation shaft of the engagingmember 23 are not parallel to each other. The engaging member isrestricted or limited in the movement by interposing the swing arm 71 inthe separating direction of the claw portion 23 d, and the extensionsupport 74 b is provided further. Thus, even if the excessive force isinput from the claw portion 23, since the force does not act in therotational direction of the swing arm 71, it is not necessary to formthe swing arm 71 rigid with respect to rotational direction. Moreover,it is possible to achieve and maintain a sufficient restricting statewithout requiring the structure around the rotational shaft strong.

As described above, the first embodiment exhibits the operationaleffects enumerated below:

(1) A charging port 4 is provided that has a convex portion 41 a(engaged portion) for engaging a claw portion 23 d (engaging portion) ofa charging connector 2 by an operation of the operator. Further, a lockmechanism 7 is provided that achieves a lock state that restrictsrelease from the engaged state by restricting or limiting the releasingoperation of the claw portion 23 d due to movement of the swing arm 71(restricting member) in the locking direction and an unlock state thatallows the releasing operation through a movement in the unlockingdirection opposite to the locking direction. Still further, a covermember 9 is provided that covers the lock mechanism 7 from the insertionand removal direction of the charging connector 2 and that is formedwith an opening for enabling the engaging member 23 to be inserted. Theend surface of the outermost diameter portion 71 f facing the covermember is configured to be longer than the width of the opening 91.Therefore, the charging connector 2 is prevented from being releasedaccidentally or unexpectedly. Further, provision of a lock mechanism 7on vehicle side allows a use in association with existing chargingstations as well. Moreover, such a situation may be excluded to occur inwhich the swing arm 71 may be forcibly broken or pried by inserting afinger and the like into a gap between the opening of the cover memberand the end of the swing arm 71.

(2) The restricting member is a swing arm 71 that extends radially fromthe center of rotation. In the case of the swing arm 71, due to a leverratio, the restricting member may be more vulnerable for break-ins. Tocope with this situation, by devising an anti-finger intrusionarrangement, the risk of accidental release may be reduced.

Second Embodiment

Now, a description is given of a second embodiment. Since a basicconfiguration is the same as in the first embodiment, only the points ofdifference are discussed. FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view showingthe positional relationship between the engaging member and the swingarm. In the first embodiment, the rotational axis of the swing arm 71 isdisposed on an orthogonal surface of the insertion and removal directionof the engaging member 23. In contrast, in the second embodiment, apredetermined angle a is provided with respect to a directionintersecting the plane perpendicular to the direction of insertion andremoval. The predetermined angle a is set in the tilting direction onthe claw portion 23 d side. Thus, even if the claw portion 23 d ispushed up by force, it is possible to restrict stably by receiving theforce in the axial shaft of the rotary axis of the swing arm 71.Besides, while an example of forming a support extension 74 b isprovided also in the second embodiment, when the strength is secured,the support extension may not be provided in particular.

Third Embodiment

Now, a description is given of a third embodiment. Since a basicconfiguration is the same as in the first embodiment, only the points ofdifference are discussed. FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing theconfiguration of the swing arm of the lock mechanism of the thirdembodiment. Whereas in the first embodiment, a asymmetric shape is usedwith respect to the 01 axis, in the third embodiment, a symmetricalshape presents a point of difference. Further, when transitioning to therestricting or limiting state in response to rotational movement of theswing arm 71, in a top view, the side end shape of the claw portion 23 dis formed to coincide with the shape of the side end part 71 g of theswing arm 71. Therefore, when transitioning to the limiting orrestricting state, in a top view, such a situation may arise quickly inwhich the large overlapping area between the swing arm 71 and the clawportion 23 is obtained. Thus, for example, even if the swing arm 71 isin operation and not sufficiently rotatable due to a failure conditionof the lock actuator 73 and the like, the lock state may be maintainedmore reliably.

Fourth Embodiment

Now, a description is given of a fourth embodiment. Since a basicconfiguration is the same as in the first embodiment, only the points ofdifference are discussed. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating theconfiguration of the lock mechanism of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 isan inter-gear shaft cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism of thefourth embodiment. As compared to the lock mechanism 7 in the firstembodiment in which a swing arm is rotated, in the lock mechanism 8 inthe fourth embodiment, a rotary plate 81 is rotatable, which representsa point of difference over the first embodiment. The lock mechanism 8has a lock actuator 83 and is composed of a plurality of gear setsaccommodated in a housing 84 of the lock actuator 83 and a rotary plate81. The housing 84 is provided with a lower housing 84 b open at thetop, an upper housing 84 a covering the upper surface of the lowerhousing 84 b, a bracket 84 b formed below the rotary plate 81 formounting the charging port 4 and the like, and a motor accommodatingportion 84 c for accommodating the motor 831. Further, the bracket 84 bis provided with a support member 85 b for fixedly supporting on vehicleside and harness ports 85 a, 85 b, 85 c for connecting the motor 831,sensors (not shown) and the like with harness.

A pinion 832 which is connected to the motor 831 is constantly meshedwith a first gear 833 integrally rotatable with a first rotation shaft834. A first rotation shaft gear 834 a is formed on the outer peripheryof the first rotation shaft 834 and is in a constantly meshed relationwith a second gear 835 a integrally rotatable with a second rotationshaft 835. The second gear 835 a is meshed constantly with a third gear836 a rotatable integrally with a third rotation shaft 836. The firstrotation shaft 834, the second rotation shaft 835 and the third rotationshaft 836 are rotatably supported on bearings 834 b, 835 b, 836 b withrespect to the upper housing 84 a and the lower housing 84 b. Thus, asufficient strength is secured against a force in a shaft tiltingdirection. When a drive command is output to the motor 831, a rotationaldriving force is transmitted from the first rotation shaft 834 throughthe second rotation shaft 835 to the third rotation shaft 836 to therebyrotate the rotary plate 81.

Screw holes 836 c are formed in the axial portion of the third rotationshaft 836 at both ends, and the rotary plate 81 is fixed from the sideof the lower housing 84 b by a screw 82 a. Note that the emergency screw82 can be rotated by a Phillips screwdriver, or a hex bolt portionformed on the outer periphery may be turned with a wrench.

Note that the tightening direction of the emergency screw 82 is set tobe the same as the unlocking direction of the rotary plate 81. That is,even if a failure or the like occurs in the lock actuator 83 and therelease operation is no longer possible at all, by tightening theemergency screw 82, it is possible to rotate the rotary plate 81 in theunlocking direction. This emergency screw 82 is arranged to be exposedwithin a hood. To open the hood, operation of a hood release leverwithin a passenger compartment is a normal process. Once this releaselever is operable, the emergency screw is provided at a position easilyaccessible. Moreover, the position is selected so as not to beaccessible even if a charging lid 32 is opened. Therefore, it is devisedso as not to be able be operable by others who are inaccessible freelyin the passenger compartment. Further, since operation can be madeeasily with a Phillips screwdriver or the like that are present in anonboard tool kit or the like, it is releasable by the operator.

FIG. 15 is a top view showing the configuration of the rotary plate inthe fourth embodiment. The rotary plate 81 is of a generally disc shapedwith a thorough hole with width across flats 811 for receiving the thirdrotation shaft 836, and has a notch 812 cut out partly andcircumferentially and a plate portion 813 not being cut out. Note thatthe positional relations between the rotary plate 81 and the clawportion 23 d as shown in FIG. 15 reflects a state in which the lockmechanism 8 is in non-restriction state and the charging connector 2 isinserted into the charging port 4. Respective positional relations aredescribed below with identifying the center position of the claw portion23 d as 0° and a clockwise direction as positive.

The notch portion 812 is formed in a range spanning in thecircumferential direction from −65° to +30°, i.e. in a size of in a sizeof 95°. Since the tip of the claw portion 23 d occupies a size of about40° at the maximum in the circumferential direction, the notch portion812 may be said to have at least twice the length of the rotationaldirection of the claw portion 23 d. Consequently, when outputting therelease command to the lock actuator 83, even if the position isexcessively returned back due to failure or the like, it is possible tomaintain the released state.

Further, the circumferential length of the notch or cutout portion 812is set sufficiently longer than the circumferential length of the pawlportion 23 d for the following reason. That is, if the dust or the likeis attached to the notch or cutout portion 812, the dust of stickynature may clog the cutout portion 812. In this case, if thecircumferential length of the cutout portion 812 is short, the dust mayadhere more strongly over the both end portions of the cutout portion812. In contrast, by lengthening the circumferential length of the 812cutout portion, the state in which the dust adheres across the oppositeends may be avoided. Also, even if dust adheres only at one end, sincethe other side forms an open end, dust can easily fall downward tothereby eliminate the dust or rubbish appropriately.

The plate portion 813 is formed over a range spanning between +30° and+295°, i.e. in a size of 265°. The radial end of the plate portion 813is formed with a smooth end over the entire circumference. The notch end813 a that represents both a circumferential starting end of the plateportion 813 and a circumferential end of the notch portion 812 is shapedto be inclined with respect to the radial direction. As shown in apartial enlarged view of FIG. 15, the notch end portion 813 a isinclined to a narrow side of the region of the notch portion 812.Specifically, when the rotary plate 81 is rotated and begins to belocated in the separating direction side of the claw portion 23 d, thenotch end portion 813 a is inclined so as to be roughly parallel withthe side end on the rotation direction of the claw portion 23 d. Thus,it is possible in top view to overlap a large area with the claw portion23 d more quickly so as to achieve a positive locking condition early.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view in which a sectional shape along the sectionline drawn in the circumferential direction of the rotary plate of FIG.15 is extended linearly. As shown in the sectional view, the firstrotary plate surface 813 b shown in the range between 30° and 165° isformed with a tapered surface approaching the claw portion 23 d towardthe rotation direction. Thus, even if there is a variation in thethickness of the claw portion 23 d and such a slightly thick one is tobe used, the rotary plate 81 may be interposed in the separatingdirection of the claw portion 23 d. Further, even if bitten or seized onthe claw portion 23 d, a relatively easy release of the seizure isassured because of small frictional resistance along with easydeformation.

A second rotary plate surface 814 b continuous with the first rotaryplate surface 813 b is formed as a horizontal surface. That is, whenforming the tapered surface continuously along the rotational direction,the overall thickness of the rotary plate 81 would be thicker andon-vehicle mounted would deteriorate. Further, if a failure or the likeoccurs in the motor 831 and the motor undergoes an over-speed, there isa possibility that an excessive bite in the claw portion 23 d occurs andhinders the release operation. Therefore, by forming the horizontalsurface, a compactness is achieved and an excessive biting or jamming atthe time of a failure is avoided. The second rotary plate surface 814 bis formed over the range of 130°, which is greater than the areaoccupied by the claw portion 23. Therefore, even if a failure or thelike occurs with the motor 831 resulting in an excessive rotation, it ispossible to maintain the state of restricting or limiting the clawportion 23 d.

FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view showing the positionalrelationship between the engaging member and the rotary plate in thefourth embodiment. A predetermined gap d1 is provided between the lowersurface of the rotary plate 81 and the claw portion 23 d. Although thegap dl may be slightly different depending upon a rotation stop positionof the rotary plate 81, it is configured to provide a predetermined gaprelative to the second rotary plate surface 814 b. Therefore, when therotary plate 81 is rotated, no contact with the claw portion 23 d occursso that a smooth operation of the rotary plate may be ensured. Notethat, when the height of the overlapping area between the step portion23 d and the engaging surface 41 a is defined as c1, it is configuredthat the relationship, c1>d1, is established. Thus, even if the gapdisappears due to forcible push-up operation of the claw portion 23 d,the engagement between the step portion 23 d 2 and the engaging surface41 a 2 is maintained.

In addition, in a state where the lock mechanism 8 is activated and themovement of the engaging member 23 in separating direction isrestricted, if the release button 23 a is pushed, the upper surface ofthe claw portion 23 d is in contact with the lower surface of the rotaryplate 81 I to thereby push up the rotary plate 81. At this time, sincethe third rotation shaft 836 of the lock actuator 83 is designed to berigid by a bearing 836 b, it is possible to hold down the claw portion23 d. Further, since the rotary plate 81, even if deformed, provision ofthe lower housing 84 b prevents further deformation by contacting tothis lower housing 84 b. Note that an extension may be formed with thelower housing portion 84 b so as to completely cover the rotary plate inthe top view. In this case, even if the rotary plate 81 is deformed orthe third rotation shaft 836 is tilted, the deformation of the rotaryplate 81 may be fully suppressed.

In this case, since force is only applied in the thickness direction ofthe rotary plate 81, it is possible to ensure a sufficient strength towithstand the compressive forces even to the rotary plate 81 made ofresin. That is, the rotation shaft of the rotary plate 81 extends in adirection different from the insertion and removal direction of thecharging connector 2, and has a rotation axis (second rotation shaft)extending in a direction different from the direction of the rotationaxis (first rotation shaft) of the engaging member 23. Morespecifically, the direction of the rotation shaft of the rotary plate 81is not in parallel with the rotation shaft of the engaging member 23,and the rotary plate 81 is configured to be interposed in the separatingdirection of the claw portion 23 b to restrict or limit movementthereof. Further, a lower housing 84 b is also provided. Therefore, anexcessive force input from the claw portion 23 d would not exert in therotational direction of the rotary plate 81 so that it is not necessaryfor the rotary plate 81 to be formed rigid in the rotational direction.In addition, without requiring the structure near the rotation shaft tobe strong, a sufficient limiting or restricting state may be achieved.

As described above, the fourth embodiment exhibits the effectsenumerated effects below:

(3) A charging port 4 is provided that has a convex portion 41 a(engaged portion) for engaging a claw portion 23 d (engaging portion) ofa charging connector 2 by an operation of the operator. Further, a lockmechanism 7 is provided that achieves a lock state that restrictsrelease from the engaged state by restricting or limiting the releasingoperation of the claw portion 23 d due to movement of the rotary plate81 (restricting member) in the locking direction and an unlock statethat allows the releasing operation through a movement in the unlockdirection opposite to the locking direction. Still further, a covermember 9 is provided that covers the lock mechanism 7 from the insertionand removal direction of the charging connector 2 and that is formedwith an opening for enabling the engaging member 23 to be inserted. Theend surface of the outermost diameter portion facing the cover member 9of the rotary plate 81 is configured to be longer than the width of theopening 91. Therefore, the charging connector 2 is prevented from beingreleased accidentally or unexpectedly. Further, provision of a lockmechanism 7 on vehicle side allows a use in association with existingcharging stations as well. Moreover, such a situation may be excluded tooccur in which the rotary plate 81 may be forcibly broken or pried byinserting a finger and the like into a gap between the opening of thecover member and the end of the rotary plate 81.

(4) The restricting member is a rotary plate 81 of a plate-shape formedwith a notch portion 812 and a plate portion 813. In the case of therotary plate 81, if the notch portion 812 can be caught by a finger, itis vulnerable for break-ins. To cope with the situation, by devising ananti-finger intrusion arrangement, the risk of accidental release may bereduced.

The present invention has been described based on respectiveembodiments. Other configurations may be employed. In the firstembodiment, a charging port installed in the front of the vehicle, thesame may be provided rearward of the vehicle or on the side of thevehicle. Moreover, the description has been given of an electricvehicle, but a plug-in hybrid vehicle or the like is equally applicable.

1. A charging port locking device comprising: a charging port having anengaged portion configured to be engaged with an engaging portion of acharging connector by an operation of an operator; a lock mechanismincluding a swing arm movably mounted with respect to the charging portbetween a locking state that restricts release of an engaged state byrestricting a releasing operation of the engaging portion due torotational movement of the swing arm in a locking direction and anunlock state that allows the releasing operation movement of the swingarm in an unlocking direction that is opposite to the locking direction;and a cover member covering the lock mechanism from an insertion andremoval direction of the charging connector, the cover member having anopening for enabling the engaging portion to be inserted, the swing armextending radially from a center of rotation, and an end surface of theswing arm facing the cover member being longer than a width of theopening.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A charging port locking device comprising: acharging port having an engaged portion configured to be engaged with anengaging portion of a charging connector by an operation of an operator;a lock mechanism including a restricting member movably mounted withrespect to the charging port between a locking state that restrictsrelease of an engaged state by restricting a releasing operation of theengaging portion due to rotational movement of the restricting member ina locking direction and an unlock state that allows the releasingoperation by movement of the restricting member in an unlockingdirection that is opposite to the locking direction; and a cover membercovering the lock mechanism from an insertion and removal direction ofthe charging connector, the cover member having an opening for enablingthe engaging portion to be inserted, the restricting member being arotary plate having a disc-shape with a notch portion and a plateportion, and an end surface of the restricting member facing the covermember being longer than a width of the opening.